Anti-hunger campaign launched in Norwich

Church representatives, Christians and charity supporters of all kinds got together with the Bishop of Norwich at the Forum on Saturday (January 26) to launch Enough Food for Everyone IF by ‘Getting into the Picture’ to pledge their support to end world hunger.

Hunger and malnutrition in childhood will trap almost a billion young people in poverty by 2025, according to a major new campaign, launched by over 100 of Britain’s leading development charities and faith groups.

The Rt Revd Graham James, Bishop of Norwich, a local champion of the campaign said: "Millions go hungry every day. But it's a tragedy of our own making. The world has enough food for everyone. We can change this IF we do the right things. Here's the opportunity."

The campaign nationally also has the backing of Archbishop Desmond Tutu and other high profile supporters include actors Bill Nighy, Keeley Hawes and Bonnie Wright, boy band One Direction, athlete Colin Jackson and England rugby legend Matt Dawson amongst others.

Julian Bryant, Regional Coordinator for Christian Aid, and an organiser of the event said: “It is great to see so many groups coming together to make a difference and to fight to stop so many people living, or dying, without food. It’s time to put cynicism away and to do this – it is possible.

“There will be events in Norfolk and the UK over the next six months to build support which will culminate in June when we apply pressure on the world leaders at the G8 which David Cameron is hosting.

“We can end hunger:

IF we stop poor farmers being forced off their land, and use the available agricultural land to grow food for people

IF governments keep their promises on aid, invest to stop children dying from malnutrition and help the poorest people feed themselves through investment in small farmers.

IF governments stop big companies dodging tax in poor countries, so that millions of people can free themselves from hunger.

IF we force governments and investors to be honest and open about the deals they make in the poorest countries that stop people getting enough food.

“Simply taking action on the ‘corporation tax gap’ by multinational companies alone would enable developing countries to raise enough revenue every day to save the lives of 230 children under five currently dying because of malnutrition,” said Julian.

Norwich MP Chloe Smith also backs the campaign. She said: “It is not acceptable that in 2013 there are still nearly a billion people globally who are hungry or malnourished. So I welcome this campaign on food, and hope that Norwich plays its part along with many others up and down the country. With the added momentum that the IF Campaign will bring, I hope that together we have a real chance to eradicate world hunger. I’m proud that Britain is leading the fight against global hunger and will continue to do so in 2013.”

Enough Food IF banners are available to borrow which can be put outside buildings including schools, churches, offices and so on if people want to borrow them.

For more information on how to be involved locally please email Julian Bryant, Regional Coordinator at jbryant@christian-aid.org or telephone 01603 620051.

Pictured above is the campaign launch in Norwich and organiser Julian Bryant and Simon Snell signing up another supporter. Pictures by Kevin Gotts.

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